2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It was the first model under the new Ioniq sub-brand, which focused solely on electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The lighting design was particularly notable, with pixelated LEDs used extensively across the vehicle. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a calming "Living Space" theme, with sustainable materials and a unique Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 maintained its reputation as a stylish and high-quality compact crossover SUV, despite its age. It exuded a sense of luxury with its refined materials and sophisticated design. The CX-5's exterior was sleek and modern, while the interior offered a premium feel, especially in the higher trims with Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's infotainment system was a point of contention, lacking the intuitive touch and voice controls found in some competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 remained a popular choice for those seeking a blend of style and performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The base SE Standard Range featured a 128-kW rear motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models, with a 168-kW motor, delivered 225 hp and 303 miles of range. The AWD variant, with dual motors, offered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with a smooth power delivery and a pleasant engine note. The CX-5's AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission contributed to its engaging driving dynamics. Mazda's updates to the CX-5's suspension and structural rigidity improved ride quality and handling, making it feel more like a luxury vehicle. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was slightly lower than expected during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior, with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. It offered 133.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The Ioniq 5's interior featured soft-touch materials and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of body types.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's interior updates improved seat comfort and support, with power-adjustable front seats and various upholstery options available. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited compared to competitors, with smaller storage areas and a cramped rear seat. The cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than many rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's infotainment system featured 12.3-inch screens with anti-glare coating, a digital key, and compatibility with virtual assistants. Hyundai's partnership with Electrify America provided two years of free fast-charging sessions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but frustrating to use. It lacked intuitive voice recognition and required complex physical controls. Despite these issues, the system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in upper trims. The CX-5 also featured a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, learning the driver's habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were likely.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with i-Activsense technology offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included exclusive features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance. However, a warning system for driving without headlights at night was notably absent.